Sabalenka reaffirms 'boycott': "I am number one, I must set an example and fight for all the players"

Carlos Navarro | 22 May 2026 | 14.35

Sabalenka continues putting pressure on the Slams. Source: Getty

Streaming ATP Geneva MD live tennis

🎾 Arneodo/Polmans vs Bhambri/Venus

Sign up with Bet365 here
Make your first deposit of at least €5
Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

Aryna Sabalenka is taking on the role of leader and example within the WTA locker room that supports the pressure measures on the Grand Slams. The latest of these, as announced in recent days, consisted of limiting the time with the media today, on the pre-tournament press day, to about 15 minutes per person... and Aryna strictly followed that instruction, not without first offering a brief apology to the press and emphasizing that her focus is on the major tournaments.

However, less than 10 minutes were enough to make several points very clear: that she arrives at Roland Garros 2026 in better physical shape than ever before, or at least better than in the previous tournaments of this clay court swing; that her expectations and goals have not changed, with that elusive Grand Slam from previous years firmly in her sights... and that her commitment to the players on the circuit, as the world number one, is so high and indisputable that the idea of a boycott is still on the table. All this and much more, in what may be her most succinct appearance before the press at a Slam in many months.

Sabalenka explains the reason behind the players' latest measure and details how she feels approaching Roland Garros 2026

- Regarding the initiative to limit the time players spend speaking with the press to pressure the Grand Slams: how involved have you been in this?

"This is not about me, it's about the players who are lower in the rankings, those who are struggling. It's not easy to live in the tennis world with the percentage of money we earn. As the world number one, I feel that I must set an example, stand up, and fight for those players, the ones a bit lower-ranked, those returning from injuries, the next generations. Our goal is quite transparent and fair to all, that's all."

- Has there been any progress regarding the possible boycott idea mentioned in Rome?

"I stand by every single word I said. We wanted to do it in a respectful manner at first, and you all know how much we appreciate and respect you (the press). It's not about you: we're just advocating for a fairer share."

- How has the role of women in equality and the percentage of earnings for female players within this sport evolved

"We are going in the right direction, as we have said many times. We deserve equal prizes, and we already have them, we truly appreciate them, because I feel that women sacrifice a lot and leave a lot behind to be here. I am happy to see that we are moving in the right direction."

- Before the tournament, how do you feel physically compared to Rome

"I struggled a bit physically at the start of the clay court swing, to be honest, but now I feel 100%. We've had a great recovery, focused on that, ensuring that I am healed all around and ready to compete. Physically, I feel ready to go all out."

- Change in mindset while competing, concealing her emotions more on the court

"I think emotions were disrupting my game. My level would drop drastically when I started overreacting to everything, and at the same time, my opponents would notice and step up to play better. Both things were happening. Firstly, I wanted to make sure my opponent didn't realize what was going on in my head, and at the same time, I wanted to play better and stay more focused. That has been one of the biggest improvements throughout my career over the years, an improvement that has helped me raise my level."

- About the comfort she feels training with her top rivals, like Swiatek or Rybakina, something that may not have always been common in the women's circuit

"I believe that nowadays we are all better with each other, we all have a good relationship. We communicate much better, and over the years, we have improved in that aspect, going to the practice court, training with your rivals, and, I don't know, becoming better. It's all because we are kinder to each other, we communicate more, we are open to training and improving together. That's the reason."

- Have your expectations changed after the clay court swing, or is the only goal still the title?

"I think all of us here are seeking one thing. It doesn't matter if I played more or less in the clay court swing. I know how to play on clay; the important thing is to be physically and mentally ready, be prepared and ready to fight. All I can say is that I'm ready to fight, and I hope to do a bit better than last year."

- An abrupt end to the press conference to show commitment to the 15-minute limit on interactions with the media

"It's not that I'm watching the clock, but we wanted to express our thoughts and make them clear, to show that we are united. 15 minutes are better than none, and I am here to speak with you because I respect you. I guess I've already had my ten minutes here and another five minutes with another press, that's it. I still have something left with the national press, so thank you for being here and asking your questions. I have a lot of respect, but we know what's going on here, so thank you again."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka reafirma el "boicot": "Soy la número uno, debo dar ejemplo y luchar por todas las jugadoras"